Five of the best places you can camp for free in South Australia
Everyone loves a good free camp and these ones in South Australia are particularly awesome. From the desert country in the north to charming country towns and a stunning coastline in the south, South Australia has plenty to offer campers and caravanners.
Check out these five epic places you can camp for free in South Australia.
#1 – Talia Caves, Eyre Peninsula
This is a great free camp to take in some of the amazing geographical features of South Australia. The stunning Talia Caves can be found on the Eyre Peninsula. The whole area is picturesque and there are plenty of amazing natural geological features to explore including Talia Caves, The Woolshed and the Tub. Those who’ve packed their rods can enjoy a spot of fishing directly from the rocks at Talia Beach.
Facilities: None. A SA Parks Pass is required to enter National Parks in South Australia.
#2 – Fitzgerald Bay, Whyalla
A number of free camp spots are available at Whyalla in South Australia along Fitzgerald Bay in designated locations. There are lovely views of the bay and here you can swim, fish, stroll the beach and enjoy the sunset.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see Australia’s giant cuttlefish. If you can brave the winter water for a snorkel, they gather in numbers from May – July between Fitzgerald Bay and False Bay to mate. The males like to show off their colours to impress the ladies when this happens so it’s a sight to see.
According to Environment SA, smaller males will come in close, change colour and pull in their tentacles to mimic the appearance of a female. When the larger male isn’t looking, this daring cross-dresser will swoop in and mate with the female.
Cheeky!
Facilities: Plan to be self-sufficient as a toilet is available at the northern campsite only.
#3 – Overland Corner, Heron Bend
A free camp right on the Murray River in South Australia sounds picture perfect, right? Sites can be found at Overland Corner on the Murray River itself or on a backwater of the Murray. A boat ramp is an added bonus but the best part is its location behind the Overland Corner Hotel. A historic pub that serves as a kind of museum with plenty of historic pieces on display. Also, the beer garden is huge and within stumbling distance of most of the campsites.
Facilities: Toilets are around but they are few and far between so it’s best to be self-sufficient.
#4 – Swamp Hen Reserve, Walker Flat
Also located right on the iconic Murray in South Australia, the free camp at Swamp Hen Reserve, Walker Flat is a relaxing spot where you can pull up and watch the river traffic. As an added bonus, bird watching is epic, there’s a boat ramp and it’s a great spot to throw your line in too! Find this free camp at the end of the no-through road at Swamp Hen Reserve.
Facilities: Toilet can be found nearby.
#5 – Perlubie Beach, Eyre Peninsula
Okay, so this one technically isn’t free as it works on an honesty box system for $10. However, it’s too good not to include. This low-cost campground offers amazing beachfront camping with a few pre-existing shade shelters. 4WD access is required to camp on the beach but there is a smaller area for those who can’t take their rig on the sand. Sunset walks along the beach are amazing here.
Facilities: Toilets and showers are in the parking area so you will need to be completely self-sufficient if camping on the beach
Looking for more awesome destinations and activities?
For more information on fantastic family holiday destinations and activities within Australia and worldwide, head back to the home page.
Got FOMO? Sign up for our monthly newsletter so you don’t miss out on the good stuff … like competitions, great deals, and the latest inspiration on family holidays and activities.
